Funding now available for Tropical Rainforest Researchers

Students, researchers and educators will have the opportunity to access up to $25,000, per project, for short-term tropical rainforest research and education projects, thanks to a new Skyrail Rainforest Foundation initiative.

Max Shepherd, a Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Director, said the Foundation was pleased to make funding available for projects which would provide positive outcomes for the protection, education, understanding and management of tropical rainforest environments.

'The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation is committed to raising and distributing funds to support tropical rainforest research and education projects,' Mr Shepherd said.

'Earlier this month, we announced a $50,000 commitment towards ten research projects being conducted under the banner of the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project: we are now calling for expressions of interest for other projects for the Foundation to support,' he said.

To be considered for funding, projects must be compatible with the Foundation's vision, which is 'the protection of tropical rainforests worldwide through sound management, understanding and appreciation through research and education'.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted for short-term projects, which will be completed in the 2007 calendar year, seeking funding of up to $25,000. The projects should have a community useful outcome, or benefits to the sustainability of wildlife.

Special consideration will be given to collaborative or partnership approaches, where Skyrail Rainforest Foundation funding enhances the outcomes and intrinsic value of a project.

Mr Shepherd said: 'We encourage students, researchers and educators that are involved in tropical rainforest projects, which are consistent with the Foundation's vision and objectives, to contact the Foundation and submit an expression of interest for funding for their projects.'

To assist with the preparation and submission of expressions of interest, a Skyrail Rainforest Foundation 'Guidelines: Applications for Funding' document is available on application. Download a copy here, or contact the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation on email email/info)(skyrailfoundation.org or phone (07) 4031 2977.

Expressions of interest close on Wednesday 15th November 2006.

Consideration will be given to the objectives of the Marine and Tropical Science Research Facility, which has offices in Cairns and Townsville, and to supporting university student development.

Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation's Public Fund Management Committee, which has representatives from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, James Cook University, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation's ability to provide funding to tropical rainforest research and education projects is reliant on corporate and private donations. All donations over AUD$2.00 are tax deductible.